A Study of Ferric Citrate to Improve Inflammation and Lipid Levels

The risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis is 10-100 times higher than the normal population. This is due in part to high levels of inflammation and vascular calcification found in these patients. Phosphate binders, particularly non-calcium based phosphate binders, may decrease cardiovascular risk by decreasing inflammation and vascular calcification. Ferric citrate a non-calcium based phosphate binder with approximately 210 mg of ferric iron has recently been approved for patients on hemodialysis. The effect of this phosphate binder on inflammation and lipid levels is unknown but investigators hypothesize that ferric citrate has the potential to improve inflammation and lipid levels in patients on hemodialysis by decreasing intravenous iron requirements and by improving lipid metabolism.